Iraq and Uruguay will face off in the U-20 World Cup 2013 semifinals.
Both clubs were never expected to make it this far in the tournament. Uruguay managed a final four berth thanks to a clutch 1-0 win against title favorite Spain while Iraq remains the only club in the tournament without a loss.
The Middle Eastern contingent is coming off a dramatic 3-3 draw against Korea that was ultimately decided in penalty kicks. The team has already solidified its best finish in this tournament, but could potentially make history by defeating Uruguay.
"We want to continue our run at this tournament, because we now have only one target, winning the World Cup," said defender Ali Adnan according toFIFA.com. "Our recent results and performances have proved Iraqi football is still very good, and that we have reserves of talent in our country."
The team is aware that if faces a tremendous challenge on Wednesday as Uruguay is coming off a defining match against Spain.
"They're one of the best teams in South America, maybe even the best. It'll be tough, but I'm utterly convinced we'll make the final," noted Iraq coach Hakeem Shakir.
"We're not scared," added Adnan. "We scored three goals against South Korea, and we have enough potential to allow ourselves a dream of the final."
Meanwhile, the Uruguayans have their sights set on a similar goal. Captain Gaston Silva recently interviewed with FIFA.com and stated that he was hoping to lift the trophy on Saturday.
"Naturally, I hope it will be a Uruguay player. If so, it won't be one player but two who lift the trophy: my friend Emiliano Velazquez, who I'm sharing a room with, and me," he revealed. "I dream of that moment and we think about it all the time. The whole squad deserves to experience that moment. After that, I have trouble even imagining the joy we'll feel if we make it."
Prediction: Iraq's Cinderella story seems too good to end within one match of the final. However, Uruguay just took down mighty Spain with a tremendous defensive effort. Look for Uruguay to expose Iraq's defense the way Korea did in a 2-1 win.
Start Time: 2 PM EST
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